Ethnocultural tour of the southern cities of the Volga region. We will start our journey from the hero city of Volgograd, visit Mamayev Kurgan, and continue our vacation in the Astrakhan region from Lake Baskunchak and north to the present Saratov region. 

From the Astrakhan Kremlin we will go to the Volga Delta, where in July and August you will see an incredible lotus blossom! 

In Kalmykia, we will introduce you to the Oirats and the country of “Bumba”, where you will learn what real Kalmyk hospitality is. In the capital of the steppe republic, you will see the largest Buddhist temple in Europe, learn about the traditions of the Kalmyk people and taste authentic national cuisine. 

The tour program includes visits to the following cities: Volgograd, Akhtubinsk, Astrakhan, Elista. 

Location

Volgograd
from
$1,002
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
8 Days
7 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 30 June – 7 July
    • 14 – 21 August
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
From 2 to 14 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Group meet at
Volgograd
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Khuruli of Kalmykia
We will visit the famous Golden Monastery of Shakyamuni Buddha, the old hurul of Shakyusn-Xume and the Seven Days Pagoda.
Mamaev Kurgan
Let's climb to the main height of Russia and see how the memory of the war was embodied in the architecture of the complex.
The capital of the Golden Horde
Let's take a walk through the ancient city of Sarai Batu, reconstructed specifically for the filming of the film "The Horde"
Bogdo Peak
We will climb one of the most ancient mountains of the Astrakhan Khanate, which offers a magnificent view of the unique salt lake.
Buddhist Shrine
We will be told the legend of the Lonely Poplar Tree and we will find out why this place has become a Buddhist shrine.
Lotus fields
From mid-July to the end of August, enjoy the fresh river air and the delights of the vast Astrakhan nature.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Volgograd. Nizhny Baskunchak settlement

    From 07:45 to 10:00 Arrival in Volgograd.

    Meeting with an accompanying guide.

    10:00 Group transfer from Gumrak airport to Volgograd city center.

    10:30 Breakfast at the Elite cafe in Volgograd (included in the price).

    11:30 Meeting with a guide at the Volgograd 5* hotel.

    11:40 Sightseeing tour of Volgograd (3 hours) with a visit to Mamayev Kurgan, Alley of Heroes, Central Embankment.

    15:00 Lunch time (self-pay).

    16:00 Departure to Nizhny Baskunchak, 160 km, 2 hours.

    18:00 Check-in at the hotel.

    Rest.

    Free time.

    Dinner is paid for independently.

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  • Day 2 - Akhtubinsk, Mount Bogdo and Lake Baskunchak, Sarai Batu, Astrakhan
  • Day 3 - Astrakhan. Sightseeing tour of the city and museums
  • Day 4 - Astrakhan. Lotus fields
  • Day 5 - Oirats from Mongolia and the "Bumba Country"
  • Day 6 - Elista City Tour
  • Day 7 - Lake Manych, Priyutnoye, Yashaltinskoye lake
  • Day 8 - Elista
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale

The tour provides double accommodation in hotels along the way.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the size of the group and the format of the tour, RUB.:

Group sizeCost
2 people (private tour)153 500
4 people (private tour)113 300
6 people (group tour)93 800
8 people (group tour)84 500
10 people (group tour)78 700

If there are no places per group in the specified hotels, the tour operator reserves the right to stay in hotels of the same category based on availability.

Elista 3* Hotel in Elista or Azimut 3* hotel in Astrakhan or similar or 3 nights
Elista 3* Hotel in Elista

The Elista Hotel is located in Elista, 600 m from the center of Elista. It offers a bar, private parking and a terrace. The hotel has a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a desk, a refrigerator, a kettle, a shower and free toiletries. Some rooms have a safety deposit box. Each room has a private bathroom and a wardrobe. All rooms at the Elista Hotel are equipped with towels and bed linen. There is no hairdryer in the rooms, but it can be requested at the reception.

A continental breakfast is served daily.

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Another option
Azimut 3* hotel in Astrakhan or similar

Azimut Astrakhan Hotel is located on the banks of the Volga River. It offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The historical center of Astrakhan is just a 5-minute walk away.

All rooms at the Hotel Astrakhan Azimut have a refrigerator and a private bathroom. Some rooms offer views of the Volga River and the Astrakhan Kremlin.

A buffet breakfast with local and international dishes is served every morning at the Azimut Hotel's restaurant. There is a summer terrace with an outdoor cinema, where snacks and dinner are served.

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Another option
Julia Motel in Akhtubinsk or similar

The Julia Hotel is located in the Astrakhan region in the city of Akhtubinsk.

There are 17 comfortable rooms with all the conditions for a comfortable stay or overnight stay, including a private bathroom in each room.

The hotel has a restaurant where delicious Russian dishes are prepared.

The city is famous for aviation enterprises, airshows and demonstrations of new equipment are held here. Nearby is the city Park of culture and recreation, the Chapel of the Cathedral of Archangel Michael. The distance to the railway station is 1.2 km, to the airport — 145.5 km.

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Tour conditions

Group
From 2 to 14 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Duration
8 days 7 nights
Group meets at
Volgograd

Included in price

  • accommodation in hotels in the cities of Akhtubinsk, Astrakhan, Elista;
  • sightseeing tour of the cities of the Lower Volga region;
  • departure to the lotus fields;
  • presentation of the Old Kalmyk letter “Todo Bichg”;
  • meals according to the program;
  • transfer according to the program;
  • guide services;
  • water 1.5 liters of water per day for 1 person.;
  • accident insurance.

Paid extra

  • air and railway tickets to Volgograd and back from Elista;
  • meals not specified in the program or specified for an additional fee;
  • personal expenses.

It's important to know

What are the rules for staying in the reserve?

The requirements for the mode of stay on the route correspond to the general safety requirements in natural areas and protected areas.:

  1. Strictly follow the specified route;
  2. Do not litter the route, take all the garbage off the trail.;
  3. Don't pick flowers;
  4. Do not damage the full houses;
  5. Do not make bonfires or stay overnight in places that are not intended for this purpose.
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $1,002
    30 Jun – 7 Jul 8 days 7 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • from
    $1,002
    14 – 21 Aug 8 days 7 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now